Isn't talking about hell just a scare tactic?
Jesus talked about hell because it is true and because He loves people. A warning given in love is not manipulation; it is care.
A doctor who tells you the truth about a serious illness is not trying to frighten you. He wants you to get the cure. Jesus spoke about judgment, and then gave His life so that we can be forgiven.
The Bible also says that perfect love drives out fear. Those who trust Christ do not need to fear judgment.
17For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
John 3:17 (WEB) · context
18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 (WEB) · context
1There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 (WEB) · context
The good news
Jesus came to save you from this
God loves you and gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish.